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A Gleaming Gem in the South China Sea
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A tropical enclave of sun-drenched beaches and soft sandy shores. Crystal-clear waters that teem with breathtaking marine life and seascapes. A primeval rainforest that reverberates with nature’s astounding heritage. Perfectly complemented with an unhurried lifestyle, friendly islanders and enduring charm. Laced with a touch of mystery. This is Tioman...
A Marine Treasure Trove
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At a Glance Pulau Tioman or Tioman Island lies about 56 km off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It spans over 38 km in length and 19 km at its widest point. The island enjoys a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 280C to 300C. The water temperature is 280C. Visitors can expect occasional torrential showers especially from the months of November to February. However most resorts continue to operate during this season and activities may be carried out as usual. The island has basic but adequate facilities for tourists. Pay phones can be used with Telekom phone cards. Cellular communication is available through Maxis, Celcom and TM Touch lines (depending on the area you are in). Visitors can access the Internet at cybercafes found around the island. Government clinics are located in Mukut, Genting and Tekek and operate from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. 24-hour medical service is available at Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort. Electricity voltage is 220 – 240 volts while A/C is at 50 cycles per second. Visitors are advised to make prior financial arrangements on the mainland. Major credit cards are accepted at selected resorts and retail outlets.
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An Island Shrouded in Legends The origin of Tioman and its people are woven in a tapestry of intriguing legends. A legend synonymous with the island is the tale of a beautiful dragon princess. On her way from China to visit her prince in Singapore, this fabled maiden stopped to seek solace in the crystal-clear waters of the South China Sea. Enchanted by the charms of the place, she decided to discontinue her journey. The princess took the form of an island and pledged to offer shelter and comfort to passing travellers. Till today, the island bears startling resemblance to a sleeping dragon.
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Tioman is the largest and
Its dense coral gardens
most developed of the
include colourful gorgonian
volcanic islands that form the
sea fans, staghorn corals,
Tioman Marine Park. Other
nudibranchs and beautifully
islands within the area are
sculptured sea sponges.
Tulai, Chebeh, Sepoi, Labas,
A Marine Treasure Trove
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Sembilang, Seri Buat, Tokong
The Marine Park Centre is
Bahara and Jahat.
located in Tekek and is wellequipped with facilities such
The cluster of islands was
as an exhibition hall,
gazetted as a Marine Park in
laboratory, camp sites,
1995 to protect its precious
gazebos and barbecue pits.
marine resources. Tioman’s
As a protected area, only
waters are home to a
activities that do not harm or
splendid array of marine life
destroy marine life such as
such as barracudas,
snorkelling, scuba diving,
Napoleon fish, turtles,
swimming and underwater
stingrays, murray eels,
photography are permitted.
golden striped trevally,
Coral and shellfish gathering
bumphead parrotfish and
as well as other damaging
shoals of fusiliers.
activities are strictly forbidden.
Fishing is not allowed within a 3 km radius of the island. Visitors to Tioman are charged a minimal entry fee for the conservation of the park.
A Marine Treasure Trove
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A Marine Treasure Trove
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A Splashing Playground
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A Splashing Playground
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Tioman was the setting for ‘Bali Hai’ in the Hollywood musical ‘South Pacific’ and the Hong Kong TV series ‘The Ultimate Goal’.
Blessed with a sunny, tropical climate, Tioman is the perfect spot for a host of watersports activities. Visitors can indulge in swimming, boating or simply cruise in a glass-bottomed boat to enjoy the
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breathtaking marine beauty.
A Splashing Playground
For a taste of adventure, you can contend the waves in a kayak or glide over the clear waters by windsurfing. The warm waters and high visibility (20 to 30 metres) make Tioman a popular destination for snorkelling and diving. The calm sea has
bluespotted lagoon ray,
an assemblage of corals and
slingjaw wrasse, royal
aquatic inhabitants such as
dottyback, dusky parrotfish,
A Splashing Playground A Splashing Playground
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blue-ring angelfish,
The Marine Park Centre is
clownfish and many more.
also a favourite spot for snorkelling. The waters here
The colonies of corals
teem with rabbitfish, wrasse,
provide habitat for a variety
sergeant major and
of small marine life. Ideal
parrotfish.
for snorkellers who wish to swim alongside a symphony
Tioman offers many
of fishes and enjoy the
attractions for divers of all
beauty of the undersea
levels. Most dive operators
gardens.
cater to varied preferences; from introductory dives,
night dives to technical diving. PADI certification courses are also conducted on the island. The calm dive sites such as Renggis and Soyak are ideal for novices and underwater photography. Outlying sites
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such as Chebeh and Tiger interesting terrain.
Dolphins have been spotted around Tioman. If you’re lucky, you’ll be greeted by these friendly mammals during island-hopping trips.
A Splashing Playground
Reef are deeper with more
A Splashing Playground A Splashing Playground
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Tioman’s fringing reefs are a
Dive sites such as Chebeh
riveting discovery. Gently
and Magicienne Rock are
sloping to the sea, the sites
well-known for occasional
are perfect to explore hard
sightings of huge manta
and soft corals as well as
rays, whale sharks, black tip
multi-hued seafans. The
reef sharks, great barracuda
submerged reefs, especially
and turtles. Lucky divers may
around the smaller islands
even spot a Seacow or
abound with corals in a riot
Dugong, a rare marine
of colours. They are popular
mammal further south of
among advanced divers as
the archipelago.
the currents attract large pelagic species. Night dives
The seabed around Tioman
can be arranged to witness
holds many secrets and
the splendid display of
mysteries. It is the final
nocturnal marine life.
resting place for numerous
A Splashing Playground
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vessels, mainly scuttled wooden hulled fishing trawlers. These include the Tom Yam, Pirate and Sawadee wrecks.
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Nature’s Wonderland
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Nature’s Wonderland
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Tioman has one of the last
binturong, long-tailed
untouched dipterocarp
macaque, slow loris, black
forests in the South China
giant squirrel and brush-
Sea. The abundant sunshine
tailed porcupine. There are
and rain creates a luxuriant
no large mammal predators
setting of tropical trees,
on the island. The ecological
sprinkled with an assortment
galore also includes an
of ferns and flowers.
interesting array of reptiles and amphibians such as
The lush greenery is home to
frogs, lizards, geckos, skinks,
a wide range of wildlife
snakes and monitor lizards.
including protected species
Trekking is an excellent way
such as mousedeer,
to enjoy the sights and
In 2003, National Geographic discovered amphibians and reptiles that are rare and endemic to the
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sounds of the forest while breathing in the fresh, cool air. There are several trek routes in Tioman. Among them is the 7 km route from Tekek to Juara which
Nature’s Wonderland
island.
Nature’s Wonderland
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Trek Routes ROUTES
DISTANCE
DURATION
DESCRIPTION
Tekek – Juara 7 km 2 hours
Terrain : Hilly Sights : Rapids, mousedeer, herbs, fireflies, a variety of birds
Mukut – Asah 2 km 1 hour Waterfalls
Terrain : Hilly Sights : Rapids, waterfall, natural pool, herbs, flora & fauna
Mukut – Twin Peaks 4 km 2 hours Air Batang – Salang 8 km 4 hours
Terrain : Hilly Sights : Bonsai garden, scenic view Terrain : Hilly Sights : Scenic view, flora & fauna
links the east and west
can stop to refresh
coasts of the island.
themselves at the stream along the way. Watching the
The path is fringed on either
translucent freshwater
side with outstretched
prawns in the shallow
branches and dotted with
brooks and other tiny insects
moss-covered granite
along the rocky crevices
boulders. The cool and
livens up the break even
damp areas are haven to a
more.
variety of insects. Trekkers
The island’s climate encourages the lush growth of Euricoma Longifolia (locally known as ‘Tongkat Ali’), a potent herb for promoting vitality.
Nature’s Wonderland
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Nature’s Wonderland
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Avid climbers can take a six-
climbers can embark on an
hour hike to conquer Mount
adrenaline-pumping ascent
Kajang (1,038 metres), the
over the Gunung Nenek
highest peak on the island.
Semukut (also known as
For rock-climbing
Twin Peaks), Malaysia’s
enthusiasts, the sites at
highest freestanding spire.
Tekek, Mukut and Juara are
Touted as a ‘Big Wall’ in
ideal for scaling. Experienced
mountaineering terms, this
Waterfall is located at Juara,
is well-known for its
approximately a half an
challenging terrain. ‘Nenek
hours’ walk from Juara
Semukut’ literally means
Village. The splash of water
‘The Old Lady of Semukut’ as
and crisp, cool air make
its pinnacle resembles the
these spots ideal for picnics.
profile of an old lady when seen from a distance.
Gunung Nenek Semukut is more
There are several waterfalls on the island. The largest is the Asah Waterfall, where white foamy waters cascade down several feet to a rocky
than twice the height of the Eiffel Tower. So far, only a
pool. It takes 30 minutes
few successful
from Mukut and 15 minutes
climbs have
from Asah Village to get
been made to
there. The Lubuk Tija
its peak.
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Nature’s Wonderland
690-metre granite monolith
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Island Pastimes
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Island Pastimes
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Tioman was a stopover for merchants during the early days of maritime trade. Artefacts from this era can be found at the island’s museum in Tekek. The sound of the waves,
the sun or embarking on a
shimmering emerald waters
journey to discover the rustic
and lush greenery make
villages. Visitors can also
Tioman a magical
catch the spectacular sunset
destination that enchants
at Salang and sunrise at
you upon first sight.
Juara. There are a number of places with historical interest
Holidaymakers can indulge
including mausoleums of
in a number of pastimes
early rulers and a fort built
such as island-hopping,
during the Japanese
bird-watching, basking in
occupation. The Museum in
Island Pastimes
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Tekek is a good place to
spot to soothe away stress
unravel the bygone days of
and fatigue.
Tioman. Among the items displayed are 11th to 19th
Getting Around
century trade ceramics,
Getting around Tioman is
coins, maps, sea charts,
interesting as boats are the
prints, paintings and objects
main form of transportation.
salvaged from shipwrecks.
There are no cars or asphalt roads on the island, except
Golf enthusiasts can tee-off
around Tekek. All villages
at the 18-hole international-
have regular boat and sea
standard golf course at
bus services that connect to
Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf
other villages. Speedboats
& Spa Resort.
can be chartered for trips and island-hopping activities.
Those seeking rejuvenation will find the resort’s Rimba
For short excursions, visitors
Spa, tucked away against a
can rent bicycles or
backdrop of rolling hills
motorbikes at a reasonable
and tropical foliage, an ideal
rate.
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Rustic Villages
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From its mist-capped mountains to glistening emerald waters, Tioman exudes magic, grace and tranquility. Visitors can tour the different villages to experience and enjoy Tioman’s allure.
Rustic Villages
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Salang Located on the northwest of
close to Monkey Bay and
the island, Salang boasts
Tulai Island, popularly
clear waters ideal for
sought for their pristine
snorkelling and diving. It is
beaches and vibrant undersea gardens. From Salang, visitors can also get easy access to Layang-Layang Cave, an underwater rock formation. There are ample facilities in Salang; including numerous chalets, restaurants, dive shops and a mini market. The village also offers a modest nightlife.
There are 141 bird species on the island including endemic sub-species of the pink-necked pigeon, olive-winged bulbul, greater racket-tailed drongo and dark-necked tailorbird. Source: Suara Enggang (No 5 2002: Sept-Oct), Malaysian Nature Society
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Rustic Villages
Popularly known as ABC
Tioman’s Villages
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Tekek
Paya and Genting
This is the main entry point
Genting is the third largest
to Tioman via air and sea. It
village after Tekek and Juara.
is also the largest village as
Most resorts in Genting are
well as the administrative
nestled at hillsides, offering a
centre for the island. Within
splendid view of the verdant
this village are government
greenery. The village is
offices, a police station and
equipped with numerous
school. Tekek has the longest
chalets, restaurants, souvenir
beach on the island, nearly
shops and dive operators.
3 km in length. Facilities for
Visitors can also take a 30-
tourists include numerous
minute walk to Paya Village
chalets, restaurants, souvenir
from Genting. Paya is located
shops, dive operators and
at the foothill of Mount
moneychanger.
Kajang, making it the point of descent from the mountain. Mukut
Located at the southernmost point of the island, Mukut radiates with the grace and charm of a traditional Malay village. Its simple yet quaint
open South China Sea. The seclusion makes Juara ideal for honeymooners or those seeking a perfect hideaway. Two rivers, the Mentawak and Barok flow from Mount Kajang to this village. Juara is the point of exit
who appreciate nature at its
(or entry) for the cross-island
purest form. Towering
Tekek-Juara trail. It is also
against the Mukut sky is the
the start-off point to climb
legendary Twin Peaks.
the Mount Kajang. The
Mukut is also the departure
village has several sundry
point to climb the imposing
shops and restaurants.
mountain. Juara
This village is tucked away on the east coast of the island, making it the furthest
The island has a natural bonsai garden
and one of the most idyllic
located along
beaches in Tioman. It is also
the Mukut-Twin
the only bay which faces the
Peaks trail.
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Tioman’s Villages
setting is ideal for visitors
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Accommodation 37
Tioman has a wide range
Spanning over 200 acres, the
of accommodation, most of
resort offers 596 rooms,
which are modestly
exuding traditional Malay
equipped but comfortable.
architectural charm. There
Visitors can take their pick
are also exclusive boutique
from basic beach huts,
resorts on the island.
Accommodation
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chalets equipped with bathroom and fan to air-conditioned rooms. Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort is currently the island’s only internationalstandard accommodation.
A range of culinary delights awaits the adventurous visitor. Try out the seafood platter, local dishes and desserts. Or indulge in the mouth-watering, freshly plucked tropical fruits. Visitors can also savour Continental and Chinese favourites at selected
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eateries. Popular restaurants Air Batang, Salang, Juara, Genting, Nipah and Paya.
Accommodation
are located around Tekek,
List of Accommodation
Accommodation
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SALANG Ella’s Place Salang Beach Resort Salang Indah Resort Salang Damai Resort Salang Pusaka Resort Salang Sayang ( Zaid’s Place ) Pak Long’s Chalet Nora’s Chalet Puteri Salang Inn
Tel : 609-419 5004 Tel : 609-419 5002 Tel : 609-419 5015 H/P : 6013-980 6300 Tel : 609-419 5317 Tel : 609-419 5044 Tel : 609-419 5000 Tel : 609-419 5003 Tel : 607-799 3592
AIR BATANG Panuba Inn Resort Bamboo Hill Nazri Beach Cabanas ( Nazri 11) Rinda House Sri Nelayan Chalet Tioman House Johan’s Resort (Johan JJ Resort) South Pacific Chalets Ikhwan’s Resort Mawar Beach Chalet YP Chalet My Friend Place Nazri’s Place
Tel : 609-419 1424 Tel : 609-419 1339 Tel : 609-419 1375 H/P : 6013-928 0057 Tel : 609-419 1186 Tel : 609-419 1196 Tel : 609-419 1359 Tel : 609-4191179 H/P : 6013-300 1540 Tel : 609-419 1153 Tel : 609-419 1018 Tel : 609-419 1150 Tel : 609-419 1329
Fax : 607-799 7836
TEKEK Peladang Inn Sri Tioman Beach Resort Pesona Island Resort Coral Reef Holiday Babura Seaview Resort Samudra Swiss Cottage Berjaya Tioman Suites Berjaya Tioman Beach Golf & Spa Resort
Tel : 609-419 1431 Tel : 609-419 1189 Tel : 609-419 1213 Tel : 609-419 1628 Tel : 609-419 1139 Tel : 609-419 1642 Tel : 609-419 1000 Tel : 609-419 1000
Fax : 609-419 1626
PAYA Paya Beach Resort Tioman Paya Resort Paya Holiday
Tel : 609-419 7100 Tel : 607-799 2602 Tel : 609-419 7090
Fax : 609-419 7099 Fax : 607-799 2603
GENTING Melina Beach Resort Genting Bayu Chalet Tropical Coral Inn Tioman Yacht Resort Genting Damai Tioman Sun Beach Resort Island Reef Resort Genting Ria Coral Beach Idaman Beach Holiday Tioman Genting Happy Inn
Tel : 609-419 7070 Tel : 609-419 7039 Tel : 609-419 7041 Tel : 607-799 6100 Tel : 609-419 7055 Tel : 609-419 7069 Tel : 609-419 7004 Tel : 609-419 7002 Tel : 609-419 7048 Tel : 607-799 3048
Fax : 607-799 7079 Fax : 607-799 4364 Fax : 609-419 7041
LANTING AND NIPAH Tioman Beauty Beach Resort Japamala Resort Nipah Chalet
Tel : 607-799 4678 Tel : 609-419 6001 H/P : 6011-951 041
Fax : 607-799 4677 Fax : 609-419 6002
H/P : 6011-769 720 H/P : 6013-376 5181 Tel : 609-412 0380 Tel : 609-412 0392
Fax : 607-799 4678
Tel : 609-412 0326 Tel : 609-412 0388
Fax : 607-799 4532
MUKUT Minang Cove Tanjung Adventure Sri Sentosa Chalet Mukut Coral Resort (Island Connection) Mukut Harmony Resort Mukut Oceana Beach JUARA River View Resort Paradise Point Chalet Juara Beach Resort Razif Chalet Juara Mutiara Chalet Rainbow Chalet Bushman Enterprise Mizani’s Place Juara Lagoon (Juara Saujana Beach)
Tel : 609-419 3168 Tel : 609-419 3145 Tel : 609-419 3188 Tel : 609-419 3137 Tel : 609-419 3159 Tel : 609-419 3140 Tel : 609-419 3109 Tel : 609-419 3157 Tel : 609-419 3153
Fax : 607-799 3607 Fax : 609-419 5024 Fax : 609-419 5421
Fax : 607-799 1399
Fax : 609-419 1359
Fax : 609-419 1029 Fax : 609-419 1139 Fax : 609-419 1642 Fax : 609-419 1718
Fax : 607-799 4355 Fax : 609-419 7004
Fax : 607-799 1603
Fax : 609-419 3244
Dive Centres Dive Asia (Salang) Dive Fisherman Centre (Salang) Ben’s Diving Centre (Salang) Scuba Naut (Salang) Azmi _Dive (Salang) B & J Dive Centre (Air Batang Chalet) Eco Dive Centre (Air Batang) Bali Hai (Panuba Inn ABC) Dive Asia ( Tekek) Tioman Reef Divers (Tekek) Tekek Inn (Tekek) Berjaya Dive Centre (Tekek) Tioman Dive Centre (Tekek) Sea Lantis Dive Centre (Paya) Payar Diver Cove (Paya) Minang Cove (Mukut) Bushman Dive Centre (Juara)
Tel : 609-419 5017 Tel : 609-419 5011 Tel : 609-419 5555 Tel : 609-4195101 Tel : 6013-928 0056 Tel : 609-419 1218 Tel : 609-419 1794 Tel : 6013-771 0454 Tel : 609-419 1337 Tel : 609-419 1342 Tel : 609-419 1579 Tel : 609-419 1000 Tel : 609-419 1288 Tel : 609-419 7045 Tel : 609-419 7102 H/P : 6011-769 720 Tel : 609-419 3109
Fax : 609-419 5036 Fax : 609-419 5025 Fax : 609-419 5554
Fax : 609-419 1218 Fax : 609-419 1250 Fax : 607-799 6348 Fax : 609-419 1341 Fax : 609-419 1579 Fax : 609-419 1718 Fax : 609-519 1370 Fax : 609-419 7006 Fax : 607-799 7372
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Blanks Face Adventure
Tel : 6012-686 6157
Travel Agents Zumm Holiday Travel & Tours
H/P : 6013-707 1323
Useful Contacts TIOMAN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY A145 - 147 Lorong Tun Ismail 6 Sri Dagangan 25000 Kuantan Pahang Tel : 609 - 514 1206 Fax : 609 - 514 8801 email : tioman@mytioman.com.my www.mytioman.com TOURISM MALAYSIA PAHANG Tourist Information Centre Jalan Mahkota 25000 Kuantan Pahang Tel : 609 - 517 7113 / 7115 Fax : 609 - 517 7114 TOURISM MALAYSIA JOHOR L3-26, Aras 3, Bangunan JOTIC 2, Jalan Ayer Molek 80000 Johor Bahru Johor Tel : 607 - 222 3590 / 3591 Fax : 607 - 223 5502 email : mtpbjhb@tourism.gov.my TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE (TANJUNG PUTERI) Kompleks Bas Pelancong Tanjung Puteri 80000 Johor Bahru Tel: 607-227 1822
Useful Contacts
Rock Climbing
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